Dangerous wild animals

The keeping of certain species of wild animals is controlled by the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976.

No person may keep any dangerous wild animal without first obtaining a licence from their local authority.

The animals for which a licence is required before they may be kept are listed in the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 (Modification No.2) Order 2007 (2007 No.2465).

Licence to keep Dangerous wild animals

Applications for a licence must be made to the Local Authority, and a licence may be issued providing the applicant is not disqualified or has been convicted under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976.

The applicant will also be required to pay the cost of inspections carried out by the Council's authorised Veterinary Surgeon or Veterinary Practitioner.

Except in exceptional circumstances, the person making the application must be the person who owns and possesses or proposes to own and possess the animal to which the application applies.

Where a licence is granted that licence and any subsequent licence will expire on 31 December of the year to which the licence relates and must be renewed before that date if the licence holder is to continue to keep the animal(s) named on the licence.